UH Alum Benjamin Reed Taking on ‘Hamlet’

Benjamin Reed just graduated from the University of Houston, but he’s been presented with one of his biggest tests as an actor. He’s taking on the title role in “Hamlet” during this year’s Houston Shakespeare Festival (HSF).

So far, Reed has earned solid reviews for his performance as the tormented Danish prince. Audiences have one more chance to catch him in “Hamlet” as the play comes to a close this weekend. The final performance is 8:30 p.m., Aug. 11 at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Admission is free.

Reed arrived in Houston after receiving his bachelor’s degree at Belmont University in Nashville. Originally, he was focused on music but switched gears to acting. During his time in Music City U.S.A., he secured roles in the Nashville Shakespeare Festival and earned a small part in the film “Pure Country 2: The Gift” starring George Strait and Dean Cain.

After graduating from Belmont in 2008, Reed headed to Houston to participate in the graduate acting program at the UH School of Theatre & Dance. As a grad student, he performed in UH main stage plays including “Now This” and “The Crucible.” In May, he earned his Master of Fine Arts from UH.

Next, Reed heads to Middletown, Va. to star in Wayside Theatre’s production of “Wait Until Dark.” He will play the villainous Harry Roat (a role made famous by Alan Arkin in the 1967 film of the same name).

Creative Pride caught up with Reed to talk “Hamlet” and how he prepared for his role as the title character.

Creative Pride: You’re following in the footsteps of many great actors who have played Hamlet. Are you having fun with this role?

Benjamin Reed: Yes. It’s a challenge though. It’s a test of my mental, emotional and physical endurance; it’s a marathon. I’m going through some of the most intense moments in a young man’s life during a performance. And I’m doing that a few nights a week.

BR: We met during auditions and Skyped quite a bit in the months leading up to rehearsals. He’s fantastic. Both he and Paul Steger (director of “The Comedy of Errors”) are great. The festival has two very talented and respected directors, and it’s been a success.

Steve always treats me as an artist and a collaborator. He also treats me as an equal. He’s also been very patient if I don’t immediately follow a particular direction. He lets me process and work through some of the things that he feels would be useful in bringing this character to life.

CP: HSF has started bringing in more visiting artists like Steve Pickering and Paul Steger, as well as actors Cindy Pickett and Mark Metcalf. How do these guests benefit the festival?

BR: It’s a good thing for everyone. Everyone wins out. It’s good for the festival. It’s good for Houston to have these names in town. And it’s great for the actors. We get to work with these professionals and make lasting connections. Most importantly, we get to learn from these seasoned veterans, and in turn, become better at what we do.

And it’s good for people to see Ferris Bueller’s mom (Cindy Pickett) and the Maestro from “Seinfeld” (Mark Metcalf). Everyone knows them from these roles, but audiences can see them tackle roles like Gertrude and Claudius in “Hamlet.” They can see how amazing these actors are.

CP: In preparing for “Hamlet,” did you watch previous stage or film versions? Or, did you want to start from scratch?

BR: There are some actors that don’t want to see how someone else handled a particular part. That’s not my thing. I watch every single version I can get my hands on. I also read several edited versions and screen versions. I also read reviews including Jude Law’s performance in “Hamlet” on Broadway. I’ve always been a believer that good artists borrow and great artists steal. (Laughing) Of course, you always take a role and make it your own. Good artists take a moment from someone else while great artists take that moment and weave it into something completely new but still informed by other actors.